Introduction: Improper regulation of radiology departments can lead to significant adverse environmental impacts, which in turn affect both the health workforce and the community they serve. This review aimed to provide an in-depth analysis of the relevant documents, policies, laws, and regulations regarding environmental sustainability in radiology practices in Zimbabwe.
Methods: A qualitative content analysis was performed on documents obtained through an electronic database search, along with a manual search in Google Scholar and relevant reference lists. The selected documents were evaluated using pre-defined eligibility criteria for inclusion. Data management was carried out using NVivo 13, and the collected data were analysed using the READ approach.
Results: Of the nine documents identified and analyzed, five key themes were created, including i. the legal framework for environmental sustainability ii. safety protocols and radiation protection iii. integration of climate change and sustainable practices in education, i.v. waste management considerations, and v. transitioning to modern technologies .
Conclusion: The review highlights that, despite the constitution's support for environmental rights, Zimbabwe lacks specific policies and regulations for environmental sustainability in radiology. To advance sustainable practices, it is imperative to establish a dedicated environmental policy and implement targeted legislation.
Implications for Practice: The study underscores the urgent need for the development and implementation of specific environmental sustainability policies and regulations in radiology departments in Zimbabwe to mitigate adverse environmental impacts and promote the health and safety of both the workforce and the communities they serve.